The day I have been waiting for has finally come... I'm officially 21 years old! Last Monday, right as the clock struck midnight and turned into my birthday, I ran to the bar down the street with a smile on my face. As I sat at the bar with a beer in my hand, I felt like a little kid on Christmas, overwhelmed with happiness. Something about handing my actual ID to a bartender made me feel so grown up and honestly a little bit cool. As the youngest one in my family, I have been looking forward to this day for years. Gone are the times where I had to be the designated driver, and here come the ones where I am calling them to pick me up. After rejected fake IDs (sorry mom) and failed attempts to sneak into the bars, I can finally hand over my real ID with pride. The night of my 21st was nothing short of my expectations. Although it was in the middle of the week, being at the bars with my best friends and parents was so much fun. The bar scene on the weekends was completely different than my experiences on Tuesday filled with familiar faces shoulder to shoulder. I pulled the basic 21 year old girl whole night-gold balloons, sash and all.

Walking into the liquor store felt like a kid walking into a candy shop. While I did feel grown up knowing I could purchase anything myself, being inside made me feel young at the same time. I felt like I did not belong and it did not feel real that I could be in there. I was so excited to be carded and was a little disappointed when she didn't ask for my ID.

I have been waiting for this day for so long, I can now join all my 21 and over friends and family to the bars and different events. I don't have to miss out and wait for everyone to be home, I can be right there with them. Even though I have been waiting for this day for a long time, it is crazy that is here and over already. I finally made it!